MIND THE CR*P
Germs on Tube mean that travellers should beware Bakerpoo line
SHOCKING tests on London Underground have revealed passengers are in danger of disease from poo.
Swab samples taken on the Bakerloo line showed E.coli on seats and handles in carriages.
The terrifying vomit and diarrhoeainducing bacteria is found in human and animal faeces.
And scientists believe the germs may be left there by commuters who have not washed their hands properly after visiting the loo.
Pets having “accidents” while riding on the Tube could also be at fault.
Hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley warned: “If you sit on public transport eating food and licking your fingers, and those fingers have just been touching dirty seats and windows, then you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.
“People often think it is the last thing they ate that made them ill but, in fact, it could be contamination they picked up on their hands.”
The research, undertaken by the cleaning brand Bissell, revealed varying levels of bacteria.
They included Enterobacteriaceae – a large family of germs, including salmonella and staphylococcus aureus, which is found in septic cuts, noses and throats.
The Bakerloo line – coloured brown on the map – runs from Harrow & Wealdstone in suburban north-west London and Elephant & Castle in the south, via the West End.
Hubs including Paddington, Waterloo, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus and Baker Street, are on the line.
Transport for London revealed earlier this year that it never cleans the seats on the District, Jubilee, Circle, Northern, Piccadilly, Metropolitan and Hammersmith and City lines.
The Bakerloo, Victoria and Central seats are washed every six months.
Dr Ackerley added: “Bacteria are everywhere and most of them are completely harmless, if not beneficial.
“However, there are some bacteria and viruses that we need to avoid and it is particularly disturbing that E. coli was found on a seat.
“It is likely to be the same anywhere that you get lots of people using public spaces of any type – so it’s definitely not just a London public transport problem.”
She advised passengers to wash their hands or use gel on leaving the Tube.
They should also avoid rubbing their eyes or eating on board and should think about where they put their luggage if the bags have been on a seat or the floor of a carriage.